If I were asked to name a new rose it would have to be a person who I met many years ago before getting married.
My wife's Grandmother who's name was Florence was one of the most loving and beloved people I have met.
Born in the late 1800s, she was witness to much of what we take for granted today. As a little girl she lived across from the fire station and could vividly remember the firemen hooking up the horses and rushing off to the reported fire.
She became a teacher and traveled to western Massachusetts every Monday to teach her students and then returning home at the end of the week.
As a young wife she had to release her new husband to fight in WW1, only to return a changed man due to a gas attack. Florence saw some of the first automobiles, the first telephone, the first radio, the first television. She lived through four wars, voted for at least 8 presidents.
Her home was always an open and shinning beacon for any and all who would visit, whither invited or unexpected. She accepted and respected everyone she met, gaining from what they offered and giving what she possessed. She was an influence on every person that met her.
On her passing just after her 99th birthday it became clear how many lives she had touched, influnced, and had grown from.
My favorite saying from her was, "I came in on the horse and buggy and I'm going out on the rocketship."
My nomination for the name of rose would be, Mrs. Florence Scofield.
Thank you, Chuck
I grow to like her more each year. Her comments at the recent Comedy Central roast of Justin Bieber showed off a whole new raunchy side, which is far preferable to the prim and proper demeanor she usually displays.
